The Punjab Police is ramping up its fight against drone-based smuggling from Pakistan with a comprehensive security upgrade. Authorities are investing heavily in new technology and community integration to stop the flow of drugs and weapons across the border.
Massive Investment in Anti-Drone Technology
Police officials have outlined an ambitious plan for 2026 that involves acquiring sophisticated anti-drone systems. They plan to purchase 106 handheld anti-drone guns and 14 static or vehicle-mounted systems. The handheld guns will cost approximately Rs 10 lakh each, while the larger systems carry a price tag of Rs 10-12 crore per unit.
For these acquisitions, the police department has requested Rs 153 crore from the state government. An initial allocation of Rs 50 crore has already been approved for the current financial year. Overall, around Rs 150 crore will be spent on enhancing drone interdiction capabilities.
Integrating Technology with Community Watch
The strategy goes beyond just equipment. Police are working to integrate their Drone Quick Reaction Teams with Village Defence Committees. This partnership aims to create faster and more effective drone detection networks across border areas.
Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav emphasized the coordinated approach. "We are working in close coordination with BSF and other agencies," he stated. "Our personnel have already participated in several exercises concerning anti-drone training."
Surveillance Network Expansion
Alongside anti-drone systems, Punjab Police is installing an extensive CCTV network along the border. A total of 2,367 cameras will be placed at 585 locations on what's called the Second Line of Defence. This surveillance project carries a cost of Rs 49.58 crore.
DGP Yadav explained how this technology integrates with field operations. "This integration of field policing with technology-enabled surveillance has strengthened the security grid in the state," he noted. Currently, 896 specialized personnel from various teams are deployed in border districts.
The Growing Drone Threat
Official data reveals the escalating challenge. In 2025 alone, nearly 300 drones were intercepted along the Indo-Pak border by various security agencies. The Border Security Force reports that Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence has intensified efforts to smuggle contraband via drones.
The numbers tell a concerning story. While 36 weapons were seized in 2024, that figure jumped to over 200 in 2025. Ammunition seizures showed an even more dramatic increase - from 414 rounds in 2024 to nearly 3,630 rounds in 2025.
Broader Police Modernization
The anti-drone initiative forms part of a larger police modernization program. Senior officers revealed that the Punjab government has spent over Rs 800 crore on police upgrades during the last three financial years. Major improvements will continue through 2026.
All Superintendent of Police rank officers in the field have received new vehicles. Every police station and post across the state has been similarly equipped. Additionally, the state government approved a massive police building project worth Rs 426 crore to be implemented over three years.
This construction plan includes new headquarters for the Cyber Crime division in Mohali, new police lines in Nawanshahr and Malerkotla districts, and eleven new police station buildings. New Anti-Narcotics Task Force range offices will open in Ludhiana, Ferozepur, and Jalandhar, with existing facilities receiving modern forensic tools and equipment upgrades.
